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a blue car that is driving down the streeta blue convertible car parked in front of a gatea blue car that is parked in front of a gatean image of a car parked in a parking lota blue convertible car parked in front of a gatea blue convertible car parked in front of a gatea blue car parked in a parking lot with trees in the backgrounda blue car parked in a parking lot with trees in the backgrounda blue car that is parked in a parking lota blue car that is parked in front of a gatea car that is parked in front of a gatea black car with leather seats and a steering wheeldashboard of a classic car with black leather seats and dashboard controlsa car dashboard with black leather seats and a steering wheelthe interior of a car with a steering wheel, dashboard and dashboard controlsa steering wheel and dashboard of a car with gauges ona dashboard of a car with a clock and radio in ita dashboard of a car with a clock on itan image of a car dashboard with a gear boxa blue car with black leather seats in the back of itan image of a black leather seat in a classic cara close up of a car seat with a bag on ita black car that is parked on the side of the roadan image of a black car with leather seats in the back of ita black car with leather seats in the back of ita close up of a black leather seat in a cara blue car with a black bag on the top of ita close up of the interior of a car with the door opena black car with a black seat and a black seat covera blue car with its hood open on the streeta blue car with a engine in it ' s trunka blue car with a blue battery in the engine baya close up of a motorcycle engine with a rusted covera close up of a car ' s engine and its covera close up of a car ' s engine with a number plate on itan image of a truck with its trunk opena blue car with its hood open and the hood upa blue car that is parked in front of a gatea blue convertible car parked in front of a gatea blue car that is parked in front of a gatea blue car that is parked in a parking lota blue car that is parked in the parking lota blue car that is parked on the side of the roada blue car parked in a parking lot next to a parking lota close up of a car ' s windshield with a sticker on itan image of a blue car parked in a parking lotan image of a blue car parked in a parking lotan image of a blue car parked in a parking lota car that is parked in the parking lota blue car parked on the side of the road
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67 - 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5L Cabriolet
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Estimate €230,000 - €270,000
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Description
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5L Cabriolet French registration document Chassis no. 11102712000014 - One of the first examples produced (chassis no. 000014) - Sold new in France - In the same family since 1972 - Rare and sought-after colour combination - The final and most powerful iteration of the W111 Cabriolet - Sought-after 3.5-litre fuel-injected V8 engine At the turn of the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz brought its prestigious line-up of W111 coupés and convertibles to its zenith. First introduced in the late 1950s, this generation stood out for the timeless elegance of its lines – designed under the direction of French designer Paul Bracq – combined with a level of build quality and refinement that were among the benchmarks of the motoring industry at the time. Unveiled in 1969, the 280 SE 3.5 L represented the final – and, above all, the most powerful – evolution of this prestigious range. Hidden beneath its long bonnet is the new Mercedes-Benz M116 V8 engine, with a displacement of 3,499 cm³ and fuel injection, producing around 200 ch. This modern and particularly smooth engine transformed the character of the grand coupé: its performance now matched its prestige, without compromising on the quietness, comfort and smoothness that characterised the grand Mercedes models of the era. The 280 SE 3.5 also stands out from previous versions thanks to several aesthetic changes, foremost among which is its lower and wider radiator grille, which gives it a more modern and dynamic look. The design nevertheless retains a remarkable sense of understated elegance. The balance of its proportions, the subtle use of chrome and the absence of a central pillar when all four windows are lowered lend this convertible a refinement rarely equalled. The example we are presenting has several distinctive features that set it apart from others. Its chassis number is 11102712000014. This extremely low number places it at the very start of production of the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet and makes it one of the very first cars produced in this highly sought-after configuration. This car was one of the first to be delivered new in France to its first owner, a Parisian, who registered it as 132 JLJ 75 on 13 April 1970. The colour combination chosen is exceptional, pairing the sky-blue bodywork with navy-blue leather upholstery. In 1972, the current owner’s grandfather acquired the car. He recalls having bought it from the Givenchy family; however, at the time of writing, we have still not received confirmation from the archives department of the Paris Prefecture. The car passed into his grandson’s hands two years ago, but as it is used so rarely, he has decided to part with it. This example captivates with the charm and authenticity of its remarkable condition. Unlike many examples that have undergone extensive restoration over the decades, this 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet has retained a large proportion of its original components, which today lend it a particularly striking presence and authenticity. The bodywork has therefore not undergone any major restoration. Only the paintwork was redone, some twenty years ago, and the high quality of the finish means it still looks superb today. It complements the car’s preserved character perfectly, without detracting from the patina and charm that only a car carefully maintained over more than half a century can offer. A closer look at the bodywork also reveals this level of preservation. The opening panels are beautifully aligned and have consistent clearances – details that are particularly important on these elegant convertibles, whose construction demanded considerable care. The doors, bonnet and boot blend harmoniously with the bodywork’s lines and bear witness to the overall quality of this example. All the upholstery and carpets are in their original condition, displaying a lovely patina that only time can create. The engine runs superbly, having been regularly serviced by the family who have owned it for 54 years! Behind the wheel, the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet offers an experience that perfectly encapsulates Mercedes-Benz’s vision of grand touring. The V8 is responsive and unobtrusive at low revs before unleashing its full power as the pace increases. The final evolution of the W111 Cabriolet, the most powerful version in the range and, in this instance, one of the very first to be produced – delivered new in France and in the hands of the same family since 1972 – this Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5L convertible embodies all the qualities sought after by a discerning collector.
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About the sale Cars on the Champs
Auction location
Auction time 10/25/2026 at 4:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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